Honouring equality: Guru Ravidas’s legacy and the Centre’s recognition

February 1, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar on February 1, 2026, to mark the 649th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, alongside the recent conferment of the Padma Shri on Sant Niranjan Dass, the dera’s head, signals a meaningful step towards acknowledging one of India’s most profound voices of social justice. These gestures come at a time when Punjab’s Dalit communitiesparticularly the Ravidasia and Ad-Dharmi groupsseek greater visibility and inclusion in national narratives.

Guru Ravidas, the 15th-century Bhakti saint born into a Chamar family in Seer Govardhanpur near Varanasi, remains an enduring symbol of resistance against caste oppression. A mystic poet and leatherworker, he preached nirguna bhakti devotion to a formless God that erased distinctions of birth, creed, and status. His 41 shabads in the Guru Granth Sahib and numerous dohas articulate a vision of human dignity rooted in inner purity rather than ritual or lineage. His famous invocation of Begumpura a utopian city “without sorrow, without fear, without greed or taxation”captures an egalitarian ideal: begam pura shahar kau naanu, dukhoo andoh nahin tihin thaanu naan tasavees khiraaju na maalu, khuphu na khata na tarasu javaalu.

This dream of a just society free from exploitation continues to inspire millions, especially among Dalits facing persistent marginalisation. In Punjab, where Scheduled Castes form nearly 32 per cent of the populationthe highest in India Guru Ravidas’s teachings hold deep resonance. The Ravidasia community, drawing from his philosophy, has built institutions that blend spirituality with social empowerment. Dera Sachkhand Ballan, established in the early 20th century and expanded under leaders like Sant Sarwan Dass and now Sant Niranjan Dass, stands as its foremost centre. With followers exceeding 20 lakh, primarily in the Doaba region, the dera runs educational institutions like Sant Sarwan Dass Model School, a charitable hospital providing affordable care, annual free eye camps since 1977, and initiatives promoting Dalit literature and Ambedkarite thought through its publication Begumpura Shaher and television outreach.

Sant Niranjan Dass, the fifth gaddi nashin, has led these efforts since 1994, guiding the community through challenges including the tragic 2009 Vienna attack that claimed the life of his predecessor, Sant Ramanand Dass, and injured him. His Padma Shri, announced on Republic Day eve 2026 for contributions to spiritualism and social service, honours this lifelong commitment to equality, education, healthcare, and harmony. It recognises not just individual service but the dera’s role in fostering dignity for marginalised groups amid ongoing struggles over land, resources, and representation.

The Prime Minister’s decision to visit Dera Ballanrather than his customary pilgrimage to Varanasi’s Seer Govardhanpurcarries added weight. Confirmed after a December 2025 meeting where Sant Niranjan Dass extended the invitation, the visit elevates Guru Ravidas’s message nationally. It underscores respect for a tradition that challenges hierarchy and promotes unity, aligning with broader efforts to honour Dalit icons and advance inclusive development. In a polarised landscape where caste dynamics influence politics, such recognitions foster dialogue and affirm that spiritual leaders advocating justice deserve prominence.

They counter exclusion by placing egalitarian ideals at the centre of public life. As Punjab prepares for this event amid preparations for the 2027 Assembly polls, the Centre’s actions through the Padma award and the high-profile visit contribute to realising Begumpura’s vision: a nation where devotion, righteous action, and equality prevail over division. Guru Ravidas’s call for a society without fear remains vital; these steps bring it closer to fruition.